6 Pillars of Reintegration PILLAR ONE: Accommodation
In Aotearoa New Zealand, more than 43 percent of people released from prison return within two years, and almost two‑thirds (59.2%) reoffend, highlighting the urgent need for effective reintegration strategies that support people to build stable, crime‑free lives upon release. Successful reintegration requires ensuring that people return to the community with the stability, support and resources necessary to move forwards; without these foundations, individuals are far more likely to experience instability, crisis and ultimately re‑imprisonment. Research consistently shows that challenges related to accommodation, health, education, employment, finances and social networks are deeply interconnected and significantly influence a person’s likelihood of desistance or reoffending.
This report is the first in a wider series examining the key foundations of reintegration, structured around New Zealand’s six pillars of reintegration:
- Accommodation
- Oranga/wellbeing
- Education and training
- Family/whānau/community support
- Skills for life
- Employment
This evidence‑based model, used by the Department of Corrections and aligned with international best practice, provides a coherent framework for understanding what people need to successfully reintegrate. Because these pillars reflect real‑world experience, overlaps between them are expected and intentional. Barriers in one area often reinforce challenges in another. For example, unstable housing can worsen mental health, limit access to employment, or hinder family reconnection. This series acknowledges these interdependencies rather than viewing each pillar in isolation.
Each report explores one pillar in depth, drawing on research, policy analysis, The Salvation Army’s frontline expertise and lived experience insights. Together, they aim to provide a comprehensive picture of reintegration in Aotearoa New Zealand and identify practical reforms to improve outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities.